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Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has disclosed that its new F1 partnership with Toyota was not a factor that he used to persuade Esteban Ocon to sign.
Haas has announced a technical alliance with Toyota, marking Toyota’s return to F1 after 2009. As part of this alliance, Haas will have access to Toyota’s Cologne wind tunnel, aerodynamic expertise, and design and manufacturing capabilities. Toyota will also provide Haas with a simulator at its Banbury base as Haas aims to improve its performance in F1. The team is preparing for a revised driver lineup, with Ferrari prospect Oliver Bearman set to partner Esteban Ocon at Haas next season. Ocon, who is leaving Alpine for Haas, cited his long-standing relationship with Ayao Komatsu at Alpine as a factor in his decision to join Haas. Komatsu, however, clarified that discussions with Ocon did not specifically include the Toyota alliance, as he did not want to make promises that were not yet certain.
